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Ceylon tiger (Parantica taprobana)
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Find out here.Ceylon tiger fact file
- Description
- Biology
- Range
- Habitat
- Status
- Threats
- Conservation
- Find out more
- Glossary
- References
- Print factsheet
Ceylon tiger description
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Arthropoda |
| Class | Insecta |
| Order | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Danaidae |
| Genus | Parantica (1) |
The Ceylon tiger (Parantica taprobana) is a large, striking butterfly with rich dark chocolate coloured upperwings featuring greenish-white markings (3). There are two streaks on the forewings that start at the base of the wing and extend outwards; there are also a number of spots towards the outer margin of the wings (3). The sexes are similar in appearance (2).
- Size
- Wingspan: 80-90 mm (2)
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Related species
Ceylon tiger biology
The Ceylon tiger typically flies high in the tree canopy, but descends to the ground to feed on the nectar of wayside flowers (2). As it feeds, it hangs on the flowers with its wings partially open (3). The caterpillars feed on a creeper (Ceropegia thwaitesi) (3).
TopCeylon tiger range
Endemic to Sri Lanka, the Ceylon tiger is found in the central mountains (3).
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Species with a similar range
Ceylon tiger habitat
Inhabits the high tree canopy at elevations of over 3000 feet. Occasionally, the Ceylon tiger may also be seen in gardens amongst tree plantations (3).
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Species found in a similar habitat
Ceylon tiger status
The Ceylon tiger is classified as Near Threatened (NT) by the IUCN Red List (1).
Ceylon tiger threats
Within Sri Lanka, the Ceylon tiger is not rare. However it is found only in this country and has a relatively restricted distribution, which makes it vulnerable (3).
TopCeylon tiger conservation
There are no conservation measures targeting the Ceylon tiger.
TopFind out more
Find out more on the Ceylon tiger:
-
Sri Lankan Insects (March 2004)
http://www.srilankaninsects.net/Butterflies/Danaidae/CeylonTiger/CeylonTiger.htm -
Michael and Nancy van der Poorten in Gehan' s Guide to the Birds, Butterflies and Dragonflies of Sri Lanka by Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne.
http://www.jetwingeco.com
Authentication
This information is awaiting authentication by a species expert, and will be updated as soon as possible. If you are able to help please contact:
arkive@wildscreen.org.uk
Glossary
- Endemic
- A species or taxonomic group that is only found in one particular country or geographic area.
References
-
IUCN Red List (February, 2011)
http://www.iucnredlist.org/ -
Michael and Nancy van der Poorten in Gehan' s Guide to the Birds, Butterflies and Dragonflies of Sri Lanka by Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne:
http://www.jetwingeco.com -
Sri Lankan Insects (March 2004):
http://www.srilankaninsects.net/Butterflies/Danaidae/CeylonTiger/CeylonTiger.htm
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Image credit
Ceylon tiger with wings open
© Kanishka Ukuwela
Kanishka Ukuwela
No. 500 VC Ampitiya, Kandy,
20160
Sri Lanka
kanishkauku@gmail.com
http://sites.google.com/site/srilankaamphibians/
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